Victoria Police launch new ePIN infringement system to fine drivers within minutes

Victorian drivers doing the wrong thing will soon receive on-the-spot fines sent to their phones within minutes under a new digital system.

Speeding, drunk and dangerous drivers will soon receive on-the-spot fines by email and text as new technology is rolled out across Victoria’s road network.

The new digital fines will come into play statewide by June, allowing police to issue electronic penalty notices within minutes.

Police will be able to access offenders driver’s offence history, penalty amounts, demerit points and due date calculations through an centralised app on their phones.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said the new technology would help free up frontline cops, with officers no longer needing to spend time on the side of the road handwriting multiple infringements.

“We can issue up to three infringements at once,” he said.

“(This) is so much more efficient, a much greater customer experience for the person who has done the wrong thing.

“(It’s a) much more productive process for our members that allows them to get onto the next task.”

The ePIN system is designed to help free up more frontline officers. Picture: NewsWire

After receiving an ePIN, people will have 28 days to pay their fine, seek a payment plan or lodge an objection.

Police Minister Anthony warned on Wednesday that any motorist who gives incorrect information will be caught.

“It’s actually an offence for anyone to provide false information to police,” he said.

“They’ll use their body worn cameras when they’re having an engagement with the member of the public.

“If misinformation is given, then it will obviously bounce back, and it will then be issued to the residential address that we have associated with their license.”

Drivers who don’t consent to a digital fines will still be issued a paper infringement.

Police have been trialling the new Electronic Penalty Infringements Notices (ePINs) technology, which is part of a $7.2 million upgrade, since early February.

Drink or drugged drivers and those speeding are being targeted with the new digital system. Picture: file image

During the first six weeks of the trial across Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, police issued more than 5,000 electronic infringements.

Meanwhile, authorities hope problems with the ePINS which emerged during a trial have been resolved.

The BPAY option was withdrawn from speeding fines after the wrong payment address was distributed on 2000 tickets.

The stuff-up came as the new paperless system was being tested in recent months.

“Police are aware of technical issues regarding payment options for E PINS which is currently being trialled by State Highway Patrol officers across Victoria,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said last week.

“Police are working with Fines Victoria to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The BPAY option is currently unavailable but all other payment options remain operational.”

It is not expected any fines will be withdrawn.